CHRIS McCALL

A shortlist of imaginative designs of how eight communities could be improved has been unveiled ahead of the second annual Scotland’s Towns Week.

Sketches, photographs or short written descriptions on how urban spaces could be renewed were sought by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), the national agency and ‘go to’ body for towns north of the border.

The FutureTown Design competition aims to help communities imagine how derelict spaces can be brought back to life, footfall can be increased, or simply offer ideas for brightening up street scenes.

The eight shortlisted designs range from an ambitious redevelopment of a town centre quarter to a proposal for emerging artist to paint city centre litter bins.

Designs proposing creative changes in Ayr, Cupar, Denny, Dumfries, Fort William, and the Edinburgh districts of Gorgie, Leith Walk and the city centre all appear on the shortlist, which include artistic flourishes, refurbishments, and entirely new developments.

Last year’s winner, William Lippe Architects, won with a proposal to re-create Inverurie’s historic town square.

“We are pleased to announced the shortlist of forward-thinking design ideas for this year’s competition, and are impressed with the creativity and thought that each entrant put into the future of their local area,” said Phil Prentice of STP.

“These designs underline just how far creative thinking – combined with action from community stakeholders – can go to helping our towns transform and flourish”.

Members of the public can vote for their favourite online. The winner, in addition to gaining a public profile for their project, will present their idea to MSPs on Holyrood’s cross-party group on town centres.